Adjumani — Two people died on Wednesday when a canoe they were travelling in capsized in River Tete as they were crossing from Bibia in Amuru district to Arinyapi in Adjumani.

Adjumani district police commander Charles Ssebambulidde said a strong tide smashed the canoe as it neared the landing site.

He said there were eight people on board, one motorcycle and four bicycles at the time of the incident. Omar Ocaya, 47, was confirmed dead while Patrick Owole, 20, is missing and hopes of finding him alive are dismal.

"Ocaya's body was recovered after two days of searching by the Police, the army and relatives of the deceased," Ssebambulidde said.

He blamed the accident on late crossing, over loading and the ill-equipped canoe.